Job Details

Fire & Life Safety Technician - Environmental Health & Safety - UTK

Position Number: 6396981
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Position Type: Occupational and Environmental Safety

Fire & Life Safety Technician - Environmental Health & Safety - UTK
Knoxville, TN, United States

Job Identification: 4075
Job Category: Public Safety
Posting Date: 07/21/2025
Job Schedule: Full Time
Locations: 5723 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US

Job Description
Promotes fire and life safety programs by performing technical tasks that include at a minimum monthly fire protection systems inspections, testing and maintenance of fire detection and suppression equipment located on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus. Develops and maintains spreadsheets. Works closely with members of the Fire & Life Safety team to evaluate and replace extinguishers in need of 6 year certification and/or 12 year hydrostatic testing. May also be assigned to (1) conduct annual fire drills; (2) participate in emergency response pre-planning meetings/tours with the Knoxville Fire Department; and (3) perform Knox Box and Life Safety building inspections. Required to make independent decisions based upon well established policies and procedures. Works independently primarily on a variety of generally routine/repetitive tasks and may occasionally be assigned tasks requiring independent thinking under a set of general instructions and department procedures. Performs other unrelated duties in support of the EHS department as assigned and/or for cross-training.

Responsibilities
Fire Protection Systems Management

Inspects, replaces or installs portable fire extinguisher equipment located on the UT Knoxville campus in accordance with NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, International Fire Code, CGA pamphlet C-1 Methods of Hydrostatic Testing of Compressed Gas Cylinders and CFR 29 Part 1910.132-138 and Tennessee State Fire Marshal requirements.
May be required to assist other UT systems sites with fire extinguisher inspection, testing & maintenance as needed.
Performs detailed annual maintenance on all types of portable fire extinguishers for tagging purposes per, but not limited to, regulatory requirements, consensus standards and local program requirements.
May be required to utilize a bar coding or RFID system to track inspection data.
Evaluates the necessity for 6 year certification and 12 year hydrostatic testing on portable fire extinguishers as per NFPA 10. Prepares reports of findings to supervisor.
May be required to oversee fire extinguisher maintenance contractor while contractor is working on campus.
Develops and maintains fire extinguisher spreadsheets and other spreadsheets, as needed.

Inspections & Assessments

Performs basic fire and life safety inspections of assigned university buildings in accordance with established university policies and programs.
Utilizes the department's BioRaft inspections systems to record, communicate and track and close open action items.
Follows up on incidents involving a fire extinguisher discharge and prepares reports detailing the events leading up to the fire extinguisher use.
Conducts fire drills with the Fire & Life Safety Team and in coordination with Facilities Services.
Participates in pre-planning meetings/tours with the Knoxville Fire Department.
Performs inspection and updates on emergency response items and information maintained in university Knox Boxes.
May assist in developing Knox Box inventories and other related Knox Box management documents.
Collaborates with Environmental Health and Safety units and on Fire Safety team projects.

Training & Delivery

Delivers basic training on fire & life safety equipment and/or procedures either individually or as part of a training team.
Training may involve use of training equipment to include, but not limited to, BullEx BullsEye and R.A.C.E. Station, fire alarm demonstrations using alarm equipment mock-ups, and audio visual equipment to display PowerPoint presentations and building information such as evacuation maps.
Provide CPR/AED/BFA training through the EHS ASHI certified training center as assigned.

EHS Department Support

Provides follow up on corrective actions related to inspection findings noted by the Lab Safety Services unit as an additional duty on fire protection equipment inspections route.
Contributes toward creating a positive and respectful workplace defined by personal and professional competence, integrity, and collaboration.Performs other duties in support of the broader EHS team as assigned.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

Education: High School diploma or equivalent and one to two years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Basic knowledge of how to use hand tools including drills, hammers, screwdrivers, etc.
Physically able to: (1) walk or stand for extended periods of time; (2) lift up to 50lbs; (3) climb up and down stairs; (4) communicate effectively; and (5) wear a respirator and/or hearing protection.
Ability to read and follow standard EHS procedures and instructions related to assigned tasks and areas where tasks are performed (such as access requirements to an area; personal protective equipment requirements).
Must be able to work and prioritize tasks effectively under hazardous and/or emergency conditions.
Able to work under pressure or in situations that require quick action.
Basic computer skills are a necessity.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education: Associates Degree or equivalent experience/college credits.
Experience conducting accident/incident investigations a plus
Familiarity with ICC, NFPA, OSHA and ANSI standards
Ability to use Excel spreadsheets for data inventory tracking, trending and scheduling. Ability to use MS Word and associated templates for report writing.
CPR/AED/BFA layperson or instructor certification.
Knowledge of how to understand diagrams/floorplans.
Knowledge on how to perform fire extinguisher inspections.
Familiarity with and/or working in higher education organizations is a plus.

About Us
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

To apply, visit https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/4075/?mode=location